Richardson Gains Strength
on the SeacoastFor Two Fathers, Governor's Plan for
Getting Out of Iraq Makes the Difference

For Immediate Release
August 20, 2007

Contact: Alex Goepfert

MANCHESTER, NH -- Today, the Richardson for President campaign continued
to gain momentum in New Hampshire with the announcement of several key
endorsements from Seacoast Region leaders and Democratic activists, including
two fathers whose sons are currently serving in Iraq.

The following individuals announced their support for Bill Richardson:
Portsmouth Town Democratic Committee Chairman Peter Somssich, Portsmouth
Democratic activist Thomas Slater, former Dover Mayor Wil Boc and State
Representative Susan Kepner of Hampton. All cited the Governor's experience,
his plan for getting all US troops out of Iraq with no residual forces
left behind, and his aggressive grassroots campaign efforts in the Granite
State as the reasons they are planning on voting for Richardson in the
upcoming New Hampshire Democratic primary.

Peter Somssich and Wil Boc each have a son currently serving in Iraq.
Both men cited the Governor's message on Iraq as a key factor in their
decision.

"In Iraq, our troops have become targets. Governor Richardson is the
one Presidential candidate who understands that the removal of all US troops
from Iraq with no residual forces left behind is the critical first step
toward providing a real chance for peace and stability in the region,"
said Portsmouth Town Democratic Chairman Peter Somssich. "Our troops have
done everything we've asked of them and it's time to bring them home."

"With his background as a UN Ambassador and global troubleshooter, Bill
Richardson is uniquely qualified to lead the tough, diplomatic negotiations
that must occur between Iraqi factions and amongst neighboring countries,"
said former Dover Mayor Wil Boc.

Today's announcement is the latest in a string of good news for the
Bill Richardson for President campaign in New Hampshire. The latest UNH/CNN
poll showed Governor Richardson supplanting John Edwards and moving into
third place. Other recent polling has charted Bill Richardson just seven
points behind Barack Obama in New Hampshire.

Governor Richardson's efforts have been bolstered by a firm commitment
to grassroots campaigning in the New Hampshire primary tradition. Since
July, Governor Richardson has spent ten jam-packed days campaigning in
the Granite State, visiting all ten counties and holding thirty-three public
events. Governor Richardson was the only Democratic candidate in the state
over the Fourth of July holiday, attending parades in Amherst, Merrimack
and Greenville.

"These endorsements are further proof that New Hampshire voters are
responding to Bill Richardson's vision for creating a clean energy economy,
providing guaranteed, affordable healthcare for all Americans and getting
all US forces out of Iraq with no residual forces left behind," said Campaign
Manager David Contarino. "Governor Richardson's success is a testament
to the power of grassroots, person-to-person campaigning in the Granite
State."